Michele Ott

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside, in the proverbial sense, you are hit with something new. Purchase agreement is all initialed, dated and signed. The seller has agreed to include in the sale his riding lawnmower and a few other items. Then behold a call comes saying, sorry but that cannot be included in the purchase agreement. Needs to be off of there. Okay, so we are trying to do things above board and now this. Now you have to go back and explain this to your clients that this needs to be done over, and need to exclude the personal items. Now we need to do a separate bill of sale for these items. No explanation other than the underwriters do not want this.

Make sure it is in writing somewhere, if you are asked not to include this in the purchase agreement.

This is going on here in Iowa and is being perpetrated by a large bank. Is anyone having these issues where they are at?

The Governor of Iowa has vetoed to postpone the start date of legislation passed earlier for inspection of septic tanks at time of transfer from a sale. The new law requires that every home/building served by a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer for the home/building. Some where hoping for the postponement so things could be better organized and getting people certified to do the inspections. Some counties in Iowa already have this in their laws, so the transition will be nil. Many Realtors in the state are well aware of this new law but I find that many homeowners out in rural Iowa no nothing about this. So spread the word. Goes into effect July 1, 2009.

There are many websites out there with information. One site that has some information is the DNR site, click here to visit.

Thanks for reading.

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I am doing another blog post on Cherokee Iowa. I received a very nice e-mail from Penny Pingrey who is with the Cherokee Area Economic Development Corporation on my earlier blog on the town of Cherokee. Penny asked if I would be interested in doing another blog with this year's events. Cherokee's Chamber of Commerce also has a new director Julie Hering-Kent.

As I stated in my earlier blog Cherokee Iowa is one of my favorite towns. It lies east of Sioux City about 65 miles. The first time I drove through Cherokee heading north I though it a quaint little town. The downtown is done nicely and reminds me of a time gone by. There are nice little shops up and down the main street.

One event coming up this month is the Cherokee Rodeo being held May 28, 29, and 30^th. Some of the events during the Rodeo are a parade, train robbery, western bbq and Chamber coffee. In June some of the events include, tractor ride, Music Festival, and Cherokee Chamber Street dance. There are many more events during the summer and throughout the years. One event that music lovers will like is the Jazz and Blues Festival usually held in January. To view the Chamber of Commerce website for these events and others, click here.

There are many activities to keep you busy in Cherokee, such as: Country Club Golf Course, Little League, Municipal Pool, Cherokee Clippers Swim Team, Hershey Youth Track and Field Meet, Outdoor Fun Fair, Indoor Volleyball, Basketball league, Future Braves Flag Football, Adult Slow Pitch Softball, Bowling, and Archery.

There is something for everyone in Cherokee, a great town in a great state. Cherokee is a town where it is safe to let your children run around, and a great place to raise a family.

Earlier blog on Cherokee, click here.

Cherokee Area Economic Development website, click here.

Please stop by and read my article "The Art of Traveling. Tips for a travel virgin."

Stop by my website by clicking here.

Ever heard the saying "first impression makes a lasting impression". If your home lacks curb appeal the first impression may mean they keep on going and don't even get out of their car. Your home maybe pristine and beautiful on the inside but the outside curb appeal is what draws that buyer into your home. Homeowners end up so concerned with the appearance of the inside of the house they neglect the outside of the house. Lets start with a "wow" factor on the outside of your home so buyers are waiting with anticipation to see the rest of the property. Drive through your neighborhood and check out the homes. Which one's stand out for the right reason's? Is it the paint job, nice walkway, flowers, well-manicured lawn, and nice front door? If you are strapped for money! Try painting the front door and/or paint the trim of the house. Flowers can bring color to your yard for a small price and getting a little dirty pays off in a big way. There are ways to make your house shine without breaking the bank. Make the effort to spruce up the outside so the buyers will come inside. The payback value will be worth the time, effort and money you put into giving your home curb appeal.

Thanks for reading.

Sioux City Iowa is located on the Missouri River and resides in the county of Woodbury. Sioux City has a population of about 85,000 with over 33,000 housing units, with land area of 54.8 miles.

Here is a little Sioux City history.

Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up the Missouri in 1804 and set up camp near what would become Sioux City.

The first Steamboat arrived from St Louis in June 1856, loaded with ready-framed houses and provisions. The railroad followed 12 years later in 1868, which led the way for the livestock yards (stockyards) in 1884.

Something that happened in modern times and remembered by many because of the film footage was the crash of United Flight 232 in July 19, 1989. Coming from an Airline family I remember this well and was a miracle anyone survived.

Sioux City is a very affordable city to live in. We were not hit hard by the mortgage crisis and have faired well during the tough economic times. Sioux City has a very low crime rate and a good place to raise a family. The schools here are very good and outlying towns have very good schools too. There is also a Catholic High School for those that wish their children to attain a parochial education.

An earlier blog I wrote about the cost of housing and gave readers an idea of what you can get for your dollar. To read this blog, Click Here.

Another earlier blog I wrote about some of the events that take place in Sioux City. To read about these events, Click Here.

Here are some links that may be useful.

City Website.

Sioux City Newspaper.

Tourism.

Stop by my website by clicking here. Thanks for reading.